Diablo III, the game 12 years in the making, is taking the world by storm. Well, those lucky enough to actually be able to play it without crippling server issues.
Those issues will be solved in due course, and the time will come for those of you who haven't started to make your most important decision: which class do I play as in Diablo III?
Barbarian
Why should I play as a Barbarian? The Barbarian is the only class that has made the jump from Diablo II. If you liked it 12 years ago, you might as well stick with it. The Barbarian is best adopted by players who focus on strong melee attacks. It comes into its own when tasked with fighting multiple opponents simultaneously at close range. The Barbarian is suited to anyone who likes to act first and ask questions later.
Specialises in: The Barbarian specialises in brutal attacks, mass melee combat and taking damage. It’s also great at shouting and smashing things into the ground. They can handle heavy, devastating weapons that other classes would never be able to pick up. Barbarians need to build up their Fury as much as possible to execute their most fierce moves and dish out the maximum possible damage.
Similar to: Well, the Barbarian. As the only character to make the transition from Diablo II to Diablo III, the choice is easy if you have already mastered the class.
Wizard
Why should I play as the Wizard? The Wizard doesn’t hold any major surprises, so if you’ve ever played a class-based game before, you should already know if it’s your preference or not. It is more or less an updated version of Diablo II’s Sorcerer, and while it’s not the same class, the similarities are apparent. The Wizard is the long range spellcasting class of Diablo III. If you want to stand back, far away from the action, blowing everything to smithereens, this is the class for you.
Specialises in: The Wizard specialises in casting spells from long range. While they can dish out plenty of damage, they have a pathetic defense, and can’t take much themselves. Despite a lack of health, Wizards are renegades that care little for the safety that is imperative to mages. Wizards can attack over a large radius, cast protective spells and elemental mastery, as well as generally destructive attacks. Using area attacks, Wizards can destroy enemies that are standing too close together with equal force. Wizards also become masters of the elements: flames, lightning, ice, and wind. They can harness each of these to target the weaknesses of their enemies.
Similar to: The Wizard is similar to the Sorcerer in Diablo II, but is a little more renegade.
Demon Hunter
Why should I play as the Demon Hunter? The Demon Hunter is one of the most complex classes and will likely attract a strong following due to its potential, if you master all that it has to offer. The Demon Hunter is ideal for anyone who likes to set cunning traps and attack with range weapons from afar.
Specialises in: The Demon Hunter is the most strategic class. If your tactics work, they are unstoppable, but they require forward planning and an intimate knowledge of the class’s skills and abilities. Tactics, traps and shadow magic are the key to success with the Demon Hunter, combined with long-range weaponry. It is the most precise class in Diablo III with long range attacks; weapons include longbows, grenades, and even dual wielded crossbows. While they are agile, they are vulnerable to damage like the Wizard and need to be protected. That can be achieved through shadow magic, which allows them to hide in the shadows to escape harm. Mastering the Demon Hunter will take time, as it is the only class to include two different resources: Hatred and Discipline, for offense and defense respectively.
Similar to: The Demon Hunter is a relatively new class, but encompasses elements of the Assassin and Amazon from Diablo II.
Monk
Why should I play as the Monk? The Monk is the more tactical and refrained melee class compared to the brutish nature of the Barbarian. The Monk can dish out significant damage, but is the more versatile melee option, as it also possesses healing abilities and is significantly faster. Whereas the Barbarian thrives on being in the midst of battle for prolonged periods, the Monk is most effective when it attacks quickly and is long gone before the enemy can retaliate.
Specialises in: Monks specialise in melee damage, speed and mobility. That also encompasses mantras, combos and spiritual power. By creating combos and attacking in quick succession, they are able to increase their energy and deliver powerful attacks. Combat with Monks is all about planning your moments and making it happen quickly. Spiritual powers tie it all together, by allowing Monks to do something to assert their dominance just before fleeing the scene.
Similar to: While Monks have appeared in the Diablo universe before, they are unrelated to the new class in Diablo III. They are most like the Paladin from Diablo II.
Witch Doctor
Why should I play as the Witch Doctor? The Witch Doctor is the summoner class of Diablo III. It’s designed for players who like to summon a horde of minions to do their bidding, while they sit back and watch it come to fruition. Although, Witch Doctors can handle themselves at range and in close quarters. Fireballs are an effective spell against most enemies if your pets are preoccupied and the Witch Doctor is also capable of dual wielding melee weapons.
Specialises in: Specifically, the Witch Doctor specialises in creating a mass of creatures to do your dirty work, while you exacerbate the situation with a series of hexes and curses from afar. From spiders and demon dogs to exploding skulls and poison clouds, the Witch Doctor always has something a little bit difference to bring to the table. Curses should be used to weaken your enemies, before sending in a vicious pet to finish the job. Focusing on using zombie dogs as your primary tactic is simple yet effective.
Similar to: As the summoner, the Witch Doctor is most like the Necromancer in Diablo II.